RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA \u2014Now that the weather is starting to warm up again, it’s time to get out in Rancho Santa Margarita.<\/p>\n
OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of March designed to get Orange County residents out and engaged with all of the natural beauty the county’s parks, beaches and trails have to offer.<\/p>\n
Here’s a rundown on the schedule of OC Parks events for March across Orange County:<\/p>\n
Find out what’s happening in Rancho Santa Margaritafor free with the latest updates from Patch.March 3, 11 & 31 \u2013 Spring Fling Preschool Program10:15 a.m. \u2013 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park \u2014 Irvine. <\/p>\n
This program is for ages 3 to 4 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent or guardian must accompany their child for the entire program. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Phone registration is required.
Registration: Call (714) 973-6846<\/p>\n
March 4 \u2013 Adaptation Spotlight: Seed Dispersal3 p.m. \u2013 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park \u2014 Laguna Beach. <\/p>\n
Join OC Parks naturalists and explore the different ways seed spread in nature! We will test several dispersal methods, take a short walk and plant a seed to take home. This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. Find out what’s happening in Rancho Santa Margaritafor free with the latest updates from Patch.March 5 \u2013 Biking the Bay8 a.m. \u2013 10:30 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve \u2014 Newport Beach. <\/p>\n Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to raise their heart rate and pedal around the bay while learning about local ecology and history. This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10-mile section of the Back Bay Loop Trail over the course of 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. Participants will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make interpretive stops along the way. This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a guardian present at all times. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.<\/p>\n Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 6, 20 & 27 \u2013 Wild Tales 10 a.m. \u2013 11 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve \u2014 Newport Beach. <\/p>\n Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 7 \u2013 Keep it Wild 9 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park \u2014 Laguna Beach. <\/p>\n Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as participants learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home. Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Advance registration is required. March 7 \u2013 Nature Scavenger Hunt: A Family-Friendly Event 9:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 pm. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve \u2014 Newport Beach. <\/p>\n Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a nature scavenger hunt that\u2019s fun for all ages! Participants will find a series of interpretive tables and posts that are \u201chidden\u201d along the trails near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There will be hands-on education activities and prizes available for those who complete the scavenger hunt. The program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. March 7 \u2013 Parks After Dark: Peters Canyon 6:30 p.m. \u2013 8:30 p.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park \u2014 Santa Ana. <\/p>\n Explore Peters Canyon Regional Park in search of nighttime critters that call the park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you\u2019ll see! The program will begin outside the park office near the flagpole. Layers, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian during the program. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration required. March 13 \u2013 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Aliso and Wood Canyons3:30 p.m. \u2013 4:30 p.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park \u2014 Aliso Viejo. <\/p>\n The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County\u2019s natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Advance registration required. Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/p>\n March 14 \u2013 Second Saturday Restoration: Habitat Adventure Trail 7:30 a.m. \u2013 9:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park \u2014 Irvine. <\/p>\n Join us at Irvine Regional Park to lend a hand restoring the Habitat Adventure Trail by removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species. General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended, and tools and gloves will be available on-site. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead near parking lot G. The program and parking are free for volunteers. Advance registration required. <\/p>\n Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 14 \u2013 Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park 8 a.m. \u2013 10 a.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park \u2014 Buena Park. <\/p>\n Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants and join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park by managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. Experience the satisfaction of weeding invasive plants and observing our local biodiversity as it grows!<\/p>\n The program will begin in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience is necessary, and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to remove weeds using hand tools or spread mulch. Long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and water are recommended. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. March 14 \u2013 Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 a.m. \u2013 2 p.m. | Gypsum Canyon Wilderness \u2014 Yorba Linda. <\/p>\n Explore 6 miles of trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks\u2019 Irvine Ranch Open Space, the area provides trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration. Access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required. March 14 \u2013 Wonderful Wildflowers Hike 2 p.m. \u2013 4 p.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park \u2014 Santa Ana. <\/p>\n The winter rain has lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a slow-paced, moderate climb along the North Loop Trail and be rewarded with scenic views of the Peters Canyon Reservoir and surrounding area. Along the way, participants will peruse the petals of blooms currently sprouting along with some year-round favorites. This program will begin in front of the park office near the restrooms and flagpole. The hike will travel about 2 miles with some elevation gain. Be prepared to hike steep hills. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 14 \u2013 Starr Party 7 p.m. \u2013 9:30 p.m. | Caspers Wilderness Park \u2014 San Juan Capistrano. <\/p>\n Embark on a journey through the stars at our Starr Party! For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California\u2019s first \u201cStar Park\u201d designation in 2013. Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9:30 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. March 18 \u2013 Lakeside Bird Walk 7:30 a.m. \u2013 9:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park \u2014 Irvine. <\/p>\n Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds! This walk begins outside the nature center, near parking lot T. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. March 19 \u2013 Preschool Paleontology: Art and Storytime 10 a.m. \u2013 11 a.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park \u2014 Buena Park. <\/p>\n Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient sea life preserved as fossils in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a craft. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome. Participants will meet in front of the Interpretive Center. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child.<\/p>\n Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 20 \u2013 Tot Walk 9 a.m.\u2013 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park \u2014 Aliso Viejo. <\/p>\n Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso\u2019s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly. The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. March 20 \u2013 Nature Creativity: Mini Terrariums 9 a.m. \u2013 11:30 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park \u2014 Laguna Beach. <\/p>\n Join OC Parks naturalists as we explore the different ways plants spread seeds and reproduce while making a miniature plant terrarium to take home. This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. March 20 \u2013 Spring Equinox Hike 2 p.m. \u2013 4 p.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park \u2014 Orange. <\/p>\n Celebrate the arrival of spring by joining experienced OC Parks staff as we hike along the scenic hillsides of Weir Canyon within Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Be prepared to hike more than 2 miles with moderate elevation gain. This program is not recommended for small children. Minors 16 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended. The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby. Advance registration is required. March 21 \u2013 Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness 8 a.m. \u2013 2 p.m. | Red Rock Wilderness \u2014 Silverado. <\/p>\n Come explore OC Parks\u2019 newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks\u2019 Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks\u2019 Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Advance registration is required. March 27 \u2013 Phone Photo Friday 9 a.m. \u2013 11 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park \u2014 Irvine. <\/p>\n The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, it’s also your cell phone! Join us for a beginner\u2019s program and learn how to take great photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings and editing techniques, with time to practice in the park. The program will begin outside the nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone! The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 27 \u2013 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 3 p.m. \u2013 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park \u2014 Laguna Beach. <\/p>\n The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County\u2019s natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Advance registration required. Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n March 27 \u2013 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Clark Regional Park 3:30 p.m. \u2013 5 p.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park \u2014 Buena Park. <\/p>\n The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County\u2019s natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Clark Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. Participants will meet in front of the Interpretive Center and take a half-mile walk through geologic time. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration is required. Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n March 28 \u2013 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park 10 a.m. \u2013 11:30 a.m. | Mile Square Regional Park \u2014 Fountain Valley. <\/p>\n The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County\u2019s natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Mile Square Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration is required. Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n
love of the natural world. Wild Tales includes a story time, age-appropriate hike
and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages
young ones to learn about the outdoors. The program begins at the Peter and
Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all
are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The program and parking
are free. Advance registration is required.
Registration: <\/p>\n
Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
More information: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: ocparks.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n
Registration: letsgooutside.org\/activities<\/a><\/p>\n